Planning for the reservoir started in the 1960s with actual construction starting in 1979. In 1984 there was a partial collapse of the dam prior to its filling. The dam was subsequently completely removed before construction of a new dam commenced in 1989. The finished reservoir was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992.[1]

The reservoir is a major centre for leisure activities including walking, cycling, fly fishing, birdwatching, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. The land surrounding the reservoir, in particular the facilities around the visitor centre, has played host to events including a music festival, the Festival of the Peak.

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There are 3 main buildings on the Reservoir, that serve the public in a few different ways.

The Visitor Centre is the largest building, with a cafe featuring panoramic views. There is a small retail outlet currently leased by the RSPB and an outdoor equipment store.
Carsington Sports and Leisure is a place for the public to rent equipment, primarily bikes. The company also rents kayaks, canoes, small rowing boats,
sailing boats and windsurfing equipment. The company has a good stock of new windsurf hire equipment, with 3 quality starboard boards and sails from 3.5 to 7.5, with beginner kit also.
Carsington Sailing Club owns an extensive proportion of the shoreline. Members can hire boats, as well as store boats from small dinghies to anchored cruisers.

There are also smaller buildings erected by Severn Trent, namely the bird hide, north of the visitor centre on the circular bike route, as well as other more minor wildlife based-buildings dotted around the track.

There are three car parks situated by the reservoir, one main one at the site and a southerly one, Millfields that has smaller capacity and a northerly one, Sheepwash, which has a similar capacity.